Shibajie Fried-Dough Twist

The Shibajie twist is a traditional Tianjin fried pastry: strands of dough braided around an assorted sweet filling and deep-fried to a glossy gold, crisp layer upon layer.

It takes its name from the Shiba Jie (Eighteenth Street) district where the Guifaxiang shop once stood, and has become Tianjin's defining edible souvenir.

Eaten at room temperature, it stays crisp and keeps well, enjoyed as a tea-time treat or carried home as a gift.

Its filling of candied fruit threads, melon strips and osmanthus gives a sweet, brittle crunch that resists going stale.